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TommoTalks: Music with 'The Godmother of Drumming' Dorothea Taylor!  In this episode we discuss Dorothea's passion for drumming at such a young age in small town Michigan, USA.  What it was like as a working musician/ drummer in the 70s playing 5 nights a week.  We learn about her passion for teaching, her rise to fame through social media and being a guest on Drumeo and her experience over the 3 days,  Dorothea also passes on some valuable advice for people starting out playing and instrument, or parents that are putting their children into music lessons, no matter what instrument.This is one of my favorite guests to date.  And absolutely amazing and lovely lady, and a true example that it doesn't matter your gender, or where you come from.  If you want something bad enough and you work hard you can achieve ANYTHING!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylor.dorothea/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtdrummerladyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dtdrummerlady

TommoTalks: Music with 24 year old Guitarist- Jimena Fosado from Mexico City Mexico.  In this episode we learn all about Jimena's drive from a super young age to be a guitarist, and when she heard Dire Straits, Money For Nothing being the catalyst of her hunger to learn guitar.We learn about Jimena being awarded a scholarship to attend the Musicians Institute on Los Angeles, California.  Her move to Los Angeles where she got to meet and jam with legends in the music industry, one of them being Steve Vai!  A super talented and down to earth young Woman that is only just getting started, if you are into heavy guitar, you want to check out Jimena Fosado!!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimenafosado/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimenaFosado/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BOFVN9WDDcZ7_u-5f-fPw

TommoTalks: Music with Bass Player Brent Maxton.  In this episode we discuss Snowy's music history which is over 30 years.  We learn about us going to the same school as kids, then moving to another town and crossing paths years later within music.  We learn about the cover bands Snowy has been in, his move to Australia in 2005.  Forming bands in Australia, one of them being one of the top cover bands on the Gold Coast circuit, the Tribute bands he has been in and the original band Second Circle, which we get to view the video of their single, LUST.After 15 years in Australia he and his family have decided to move home to New Zealand and say goodbye to their adopted country to focus more on family.  Snowy is a true character, incredible bass player and one of my best mates from when we were kids.  It was great catching up with him after 17 years and a pleasure having him on an episode!

TommoTalks: Music with Drummer Stan Bicknell, who is a New Zealand born a self-taught drummer now residing in Melbourne, Australia. His time here has seen him touring and recording with artists such as: Kimbra, Miami Horror, Ecca Vandal and his own band The New Caledonia, to name a few.During his time with Kimbra, Stan played on her acclaimed debut album ‘Vows’. His Motown grooves can be heard on the track ‘Cameo Lover’ which won both an ARIA and APRA award in 2011 as well as playing on her now iconic ‘Sing Sing’ sessions on YouTube, clocking up millions of views.In this episode we discuss first getting hooked with music, learning his craft and leaving the shores of New Zealand to head to Australia and his music career exploding.  We learn about the incredible artists we have got to play with, him juggling his family life and music, his incredible sponsors and Stan shares some great thoughts on music and how to push your craft to the next level!  A super down to earth guy, and an absolute pleasure to have a conversation with!!https://www.facebook.com/stanbicknelldrummer/https://www.instagram.com/stanbicknell/https://www.instagram.com/yamahadrumsofficial/https://www.instagram.com/yamahamusicau/https://www.instagram.com/zildjiancompany/https://www.instagram.com/zildjiansticks/https://www.instagram.com/zildjianaustralia/https://www.instagram.com/remopercussion/https://www.instagram.com/meeaudio/https://www.instagram.com/allbirds/https://www.instagram.com/roosterthrones/https://www.instagram.com/monocreators/

TommoTalks: Music with Steph Strings based in Melbourne, Australia.  Steph is a 19 year old super talented musician with influences from the John Butler Trio, Tash Sultana and Ziggy Alberts.  Steph’s genre contains bursts of percussion alongside fingerstyle and indie rock. Her wide range of music taste has formed a unique style to the way she performs.In this episode we learn about Steph picking up the guitar for the first time after watching her Father 'noodle' for years, and not actually enjoying it to start with.  We learn how she actually sees and feels music in colour, the moment at a Ed Sheeran concert where she was overcome with emotion and that being the moment she knew that all she wanted to do was be a performer, and much much more.Steph is the most lovely lady, super down to earth and a huge inspiration to so many young kids wanting to play music.  Once you see and hear her passion talking about music and her journey I think you will be just as hooked as she is.  Steph is definitely an artist to watch out for in 2021, and after filming this episode is one of my favorite people on the planet!  Enjoy!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephstringsmusic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephstrings/

TommoTalks: Music with 26 year old Tora Dahle Aagård from Oslo, Norway, who is the singer/ lead guitarist from the blues inspired pop/rock band TORA. In this episode we discuss what made her first pick up the guitar, the dive she quickly established because she was never taken seriously because she was a girl!  The first time she heard John Mayer's solo on the track Belief that changed everything for her!!  And some important lessons on dealing with keyboard warriors on social media! A absolute amazing old soul and incredible musician, TORA is simply a beautiful human-being and I was honoured to have have her on an episode!  A true inspiration to all musicians, especially young girls!!

TommoTalks: Music with Graham Clark is the lead vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player for the New Zealand based British Rhythm and Blues band, Brilleaux.  We discuss the first time he connected with music, growing up in the England and then immigration to New Zealand as a young boy, first seeing a live performance and knowing from that moment he wanted to be a performer.  I learn about his formative years as a musician, starting the band Brilleaux and their 22 years of being a band, 9 albums later, 4 tours to the United Kingdom/ Europe and meeting their musical heros and touring with them.  This is a great episode to get to know Graham, his approach and meeting the most down to earth and humble man you will ever come across in the music business.

TommoTalks: Music with Dave Ferguson who is the bass player/ backing vocalist for the London, England based rock band, Black Orchid Empire.  Black Orchid Empire are a memorable rock band that combines heavy-hitting savagery with intense melodic beauty. Their technical, fearlessly complex grooves and gigantic sing-along choruses have already earned them a widespread fanbase.I discuss with Dave is early days of getting started in music to his eventual move to England and various bands leading up to Black Orchid Empire.  We get to learn about their signature sound and dive deep on Dave's choice of gear and how he creates this massive wall of sound that is Black Orchid Empire.  In this episode Dave plays though their single Natural Selection where you get to see his beautiful Dingwall NG2 Bass!Dave also gives valuable insight into being a fulltime musician, the struggles and the misconceptions floating around that a number of musicians have starting out in the business.  Dave is a 'no nonsense' type of guy, tells it how it is and was just an incredible guest to have on the show.  If you are a bass player, our a musician wanting to push you craft to the next level looking to get signed, you will want to check out this episode.www.facebook.com/pg/blackorchidempireInstagram: blackorchidempirewww.facebook.com/dingwallguitarsYouTube Full Episode: https://youtu.be/7CiGRS9CE8I

TommoTalks: Music with Dylan Elise who is the current drummer for U.S legendary band, Blood Sweat & Tears.  In this episode we discuss playing for such an iconic band, living in L.A, California where he has got to meet some of his music heros which he is now able to call friends.  We go back to the beginning to when Dylan was 6 years old in New Zealand and first picked up the sticks.  We learn about the 1000s of hours he has dedicated to his craft.  Plus Dylan shares a video of him playing so you can see the true talent of the guy!Possibly the most humble person I have encountered, this was a fantastic conversation and I can't wait for you to meet Dylan Elise, it truly was an honour having him on the show!www.facebook.com/dylanelisedrummerInstagram: dylanthedrummerguyYouTube Full Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURv22fjerk&t=2sSHOW LESS